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Following a career-ending rodeo accident that leaves him with a severe head injury, a former star searches for a new direction on the Pine Ridge Reservation. As he attempts to redefine himself, Brady’s journey becomes a moving exploration of identity, masculinity, and the possibility of redemption in a rural South Dakota landscape.

Following a career-ending rodeo accident that leaves him with a severe head injury, a former star searches for a new direction on the Pine Ridge Reservation. As he attempts to redefine himself, Brady’s journey becomes a moving exploration of identity, masculinity, and the possibility of redemption in a rural South Dakota landscape.

Does The Rider have end credit scenes?

No!

The Rider does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Rider

Explore the complete cast of The Rider, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Rider

See how The Rider is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Rider stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

80

The Rider balances immersive visual storytelling with introspective character drama, offering a largely positive experience tempered by its deliberate pacing. Critics frequently praised the film’s elegant camera work and natural soundscapes, and users highlighted the film’s emotional authenticity and contemplative tone. However, some viewers noted moments of narrative stillness and limited plot progression. Overall, The Rider emerges as a quietly resonant film with substantial emotional and aesthetic strengths.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Rider

88
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, The Rider offers striking visual compositions and assured direction. Observers highlighted the film’s elegant framing and naturalistic lighting, noting each frame’s capacity to evoke landscape and emotion. Although one perspective mentioned moments of directorial restraint, the prevailing view emphasizes the production’s cohesive design and rhythmic editing. The net effect is a robust visual identity that anchors the film’s authenticity.

82
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, The Rider presents deeply felt performances and genuine interpersonal dynamics. Critics and viewers alike praised the lead’s nuanced expressiveness and the authentic family interactions, emphasizing the emotional resonance of sibling moments. A few noted occasional awkwardness from nonprofessional actors, but the broader consensus values the film’s sincere portrayal of internal struggle. Altogether, this aspect enriches the narrative with heartfelt immediacy.

70
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, The Rider unfolds with a contemplative pace and thematic focus on identity. Many observers commended its thoughtful exploration of aspiration and self-understanding, praising moments of poetic quiet and narrative sincerity. Yet some viewers found the minimal plot progression challenging and noted segments of stillness that test engagement. Overall, the film’s measured rhythm serves its reflective aims but may limit dynamic tension.

87
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When it comes to sensory experience, The Rider excels in creating an immersive soundscape and cohesive visual style. Viewers highlighted distinctive sound details—from the patter of hooves to ambient nature cues—and praised the moody instrumental score that underpins key scenes. The film’s visual consistency also drew acclaim for capturing sunsets and terrain with authenticity. Together, these elements forge a compelling sensory atmosphere that enhances the overall mood.

65
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

When considering rewatch factor, The Rider offers moderate replay appeal grounded in its reflective mood. Supporters value the film’s emotional nuances and its atmospheric world, suggesting renewed insights on subsequent viewings. Conversely, some viewers cited the deliberate pacing and minimal plot shifts as barriers to repeated watchings. In sum, the film’s contemplative strengths may reward patient audiences, though its subdued progression could limit broad rewatchability.

Metacritic

85

Metascore

7.5

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

97%

TOMATOMETER

review

82%

User Score

IMDb

7.4 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

73

%

User Score

Movie Insider

3.78/5

From 9 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Rider Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Rider with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Rider Quiz: Test your knowledge about the poignant story of Brady and his struggles on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

What is Brady's relationship with his sister Lilly?

Awards & Nominations for The Rider

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Rider, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Rider and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


33rd Film Independent Spirit Awards 2018

Nomination

Best Feature

Chloé Zhao
Nomination

Best Director

Chloé Zhao
Nomination

Best Cinematography

Nomination

Best Editing

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Rider

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Read the complete plot summary of The Rider, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


All of the characters portrayed in this narrative hail from the Lakota Sioux community located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The story revolves around Brady Blackburn, played by Brady Jandreau, who struggles with impoverished living conditions alongside his father, Wayne (Tim Jandreau), and his autistic teenage sister, Lilly (Lilly Jandreau). Once celebrated as a promising rodeo star, Brady’s life takes a drastic turn after a severe rodeo accident leaves him with brain damage. This injury not only weakens his right hand but also makes him susceptible to seizures, with doctors cautioning that continuing to ride would only exacerbate his condition.

Brady frequently visits his friend Lane (Lane Scott), who is currently residing in a care facility due to a similar brain injury incurred from a rodeo mishap. Meanwhile, Brady’s father neglects his responsibilities, squandering their money on drinking and gambling. In a particularly distressing moment, Wayne sells their beloved horse, Gus, to finance their trailer, causing Brady great anguish.

In a bid to support his family, Brady takes on a job at a local grocery store. He also earns extra income by breaking horses. With his hard-earned savings, Brady hopes to invest in another horse, a fiery creature named Apollo. However, his father surprises him by purchasing the horse instead. As Brady forms a connection with Apollo, reminiscent of the bond he shared with Gus, he finds solace in riding once more. Yet, his relentless pursuit leads to a near-fatal seizure, prompting doctors to warn him that riding any further could result in dire consequences.

On returning home, Brady is devastated to discover that his new horse has had an accident that renders it permanently unable to be ridden. Unable to bear the thought of putting down his own horse, he must reluctantly ask his father to handle the heartbreaking decision. In a heated exchange with Wayne, Brady resolves to participate in an upcoming rodeo competition, disregarding his doctors’ stern warnings.

At the competition, as he prepares to ride, he catches sight of his family in the audience. Overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, he ultimately makes the significant decision to step back from the competition and turn away from a life tethered to rodeo riding — a poignant moment of self-realization in his challenging journey.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Rider

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Rider. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Official Trailer #2

Chloé Zhao Bucks Tradition for THE RIDER

Academy Conversations: The Rider

Cars Featured in The Rider

See 11 more

Explore all cars featured in The Rider, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Buick

1987

LeSabre

Chevrolet

C/K-Series

Chevrolet

1966

Caprice

Chevrolet

1995

Cavalier

Dodge

1998

Ram

Dodge

2002

Ram

Dodge

2007

Ram

Ford

1987

F-Series

Ford

2005

Focus

Ford

2001

Ranger

The Rider Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


horseback ridingrodeo cowboysouth dakotapine ridge south dakotaautismcowboyriding accidenthead injurylife changing injuryrodeohorsetitle directed by femalevomitingfather son relationshipdisabled persontrailer homehorse trainerguitarman embraces a horsebrother sister relationshipmale camaraderieprayerunemploymentman embraces a manautistic girlmale in a showeractor shares first name with characterf ratedtriple f ratedwritten by directorinjurysports injuryshowerrodeo horseropelassowatching a videohook for a handcemeterygravecampfiresingingfull moontattootattooingcashierhandicapped persondisabled teenageractress shares first name with characteroccupation in title

The Rider Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for The Rider across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


더 라이더 Le Cowboy 로데오 카우보이 Ratsastaja 重生騎士 Le cowboy Καλπάζοντας με το όνειρο A rodeós הרוכב Jahač Наездник Ездачът 骑士 Domando o Destino Jeździec Binici 再生騎士 Jezdec Наїзник El Jinete The Rider - Il sogno di un cowboy Jātnieks Călărețul เดอร์ ไรเดอร์ ชาติอาชา

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